Connacht Win The ‘A’ Contest

First half tries from Ted Robinson and Chris Venter helped Connacht to a 15-3 victory over Munster in the ‘A’ game played in Thomond Park

First half tries from Ted Robinson and Chris Venter helped Connacht to a 15-3 victory over Munster in the ‘A’ game played in a sunny but bitterly cold Thomond Park. And Connacht were full value for their victory, their opening try coming from the best move of the game with full-back Dan Riordan coming into the line to help put Robinson away.

That score came shortly after Paul Burke had given Munster the lead with a penalty as his side dominated the opening exchanges.

However Connacht’s defence held firm and after Robinson had given them the lead they went further in front when Venter was driven over by his eager pack.

The only score of a hugely uninspiring second half came from the boot of Connacht out-half David Slemen who landed a late penalty.

Munster:m Lawlor; B Touhy; B Murphy, R Henderson, I Dowling; P Burke, F Murphy (M Prendergast); E McGovern (F Roche), D Fogarty, T Buckley; S O’Connor, R Hartigan; J O’Sullivan,. J O’Connor, S Keogh.

Connacht: D Riordan (K Finnane); T Robinson, J Hearty, G Williams, C O’Loughlin; D Slemen, T Tierney (P Phelan), R Loughney (R Davis), C Venter (J Merrigan), A Clarke; D Gannon, A Gallagher; T Richardson, P Rowe (M Lacey), S Miller.